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Passion of the people needed

Pensacola needs more bold ideas from active citizens. We've proven the lethargy and myopia of politicians coveting power requires passionate leadership of the people to fulfil the communal needs of the taxpapers.

Passion of the people needed

I wonder now, with somany cursing darkness, poisoning the well, building an unfortunate dislike for government—specially Washington— if maybe the sane voice and pressure of the voluntary civic actionist might be the savior of the republic. America has always moved on non-political volunteers, from foreign wars to building national parks or philanthropy giving our cities great cultural and educational institutions.

Government in City Hall, county courthouse, statehouse, Congress—mostly turns on political selfishness; political fallout, mindless accusations, uncompromising residue lessen hope for unselfish reasonableness. We dig the divisive ditch within our system: the Left, or religion of liberalism, and the Right, cultist of modern conservatism, sling endless mud in our face. And political lacerations and depressing costly government leaves a trail of overspending and pray tomorrow is yonder at a Pot of Gold.

I find the voice of the citizen, the reader, the taxpayer, the organized non-profit volunteer emerging as paramount in the civic, cultural and educational advancement, specially here in our city. People should rise up, demand that politicians act.

The Maritime Park push came not from government but non-political visionaries who believed Pensacola should showcase our maritime heritage and bring people back to a open-access bayfront. But in the political arena the long, costly fight turned the concept to a dandy ball park and a couple of commercial buildings.

Gulf Islands National Seashore began with an idea; historians and environmentalists pushing political mind-changing after a five-year bitter disagreement and "land-grab" fears, and finally Congressional authorization in 1971. Saenger Theatre expansion and Palafox Renaissance are examples of how government acts when good people perform selflessly for the common good of all.

Impact 1000 with $1 million from 1,000 women aims to know, serve the community; collectively fund significant grants to charitable initiatives; set an example of effective philanthropy. This is simply honorable direct action: raise funds, empower worthy community endeavors. The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce now limits its resources to tending the health of local business and community quality of life rather than as Escambia governmental contractor selling economic and tourism development, essential segments also given new life became of citizen involvement, not governmental leadership.

Strong mayor advocates plunged City Hall into a dynamic transformation, hoisted a new personality atop a power throne, pleasing one faction, displeasing others. Mayoral power is now immense. Or, Heaven help us, a swollen ego lured into divisiveness with an independent council, unsureof its legislative role; hence, discontent. Without pressure from the people, elected politicians adhere to the bare essentials. None question government's true role and taxation power, but politics tests patience and grandstanding of those imbued with self-importance.

Pensacola needs more bold ideas from active citizens. We've proven the lethargy and myopia of politicians coveting power requires passionate leadership of the people to fulfil the communal needs of the taxpapers.